Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update 2

April 15, 2020

Dear Families,

Yesterday, in the interest of transparency and in honor of the trust you have in Stella Maris to provide high quality residential care services, we shared with you that four recent admissions were later confirmed to be positive for Coronavirus (COVID‐19) following admission.

The entire Stella Maris management team is focused on the safety of our residents and staff. We understand that this matter has caused concern and raised questions, including media reports, which is why it was important to share the information with you directly in advance.

Here are the facts regarding these recent admissions:

  • The admissions were admitted directly into an isolated unit, which is separate from the rest of the building and is equipped with a separate air filtration system.
  • The unit has a separate, dedicated staff of health care professionals responsible for their care. Staff is utilizing full personal protective equipment (PPE) and acts under clinical direction at all times.
  • Throughout the admissions process, Stella Maris worked directly with the Maryland Department of Health to coordinate appropriate safety protocols for these new admissions.
  • The Maryland Health Care Commission and the Maryland Office of Health Care Quality recently authorized Stella Maris to provide a separate comprehensive care unit for COVID‐19 positive patients for the potential surge and overflow from hospitals in need of skilled nursing care.
  • We continue to take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of COVID‐19 by following all the recommended preventative actions as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including staff screening and use of PPE.

Since its founding, Stella Maris has provided care in keeping with the mission of Sisters of Mercy. Our mission is to provide excellent clinical and residential services within a community of compassionate care, even under the most challenging circumstances.

Again, we understand that this is a difficult time for everyone at Stella Maris and across the nation as we confront this unprecedented global pandemic. We also understand that some families may have additional concerns. Therefore, we will continue to communicate with you on all the steps we are taking to ensure the safety of all our residents and staff. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly at 410‐252‐4500 x7805.

Together, as a community, we will get through this challenging period.

Sincerely,

Regina Figueroa, LNHA, MHSA
Chief Administrative Officer